They must have killed and eaten her up by now. How could you leave her alone and
come away? How could you be deceived by Maareecha's false cry? What shall I do now? I
shall see Seeta no more. The Raakshasas' plan has succeeded. My trust in you was misplaced
and I shall never see Seeta. How could you leave her and come away, how could you,
Lakshmana?"
Lakshmana answered with tears in his eyes:
"What else, brother, could I do? When Seeta beard the cry, 'Alas Seeta! Alas
Lakshmana!' she was frightened. Quivering with fear she urged me to go to you at once and
would tolerate no delay. She persisted, whatever I said to the contrary. I told her again
and again not to be afraid and assured her that no foe was strong enough to do you harm,
and that the cry of distress was not yours, but she would not listen. |
